BOWERS & Pitsea’s chances of taking the Essex Senior League crown took a big blow when they dropped two points against Clapton.

Bowers’ superb recent form had seen them win 15 of the last 16 matches, but Clapton proved a tougher nut to crack, with the mid-table side taking the lead midway through the first period against the run of play.

Rob Whitnell had been denied by a tremendous sprawling save from the Clapton stopper, while Tom Hine – fresh from his brace against Basildon United in the cup – lobbed onto the top of the net.

But then the away side struck when Eamon Payne hit home well from a floated free-kick.

But Payne’s joy was short-lived when he brought down Lewis Manor in the penalty area, and the referee pointed to the spot. Whitnell scored the kick.

And despite immense pressure from Bowers in the second half, in which Whitnell hit the crossbar and the keeper denied the striker and Jamie Salmon, Bowers couldn’t force the winner.

Basildon United got over their disappointment of losing in the Essex Senior League Cup by beating Enfield 1893 3-1.

Player/ manager Craig Gillam opened the scoring for Bees after only two minutes with a neat finish, although they had to wait until the second half for the lead to be doubled.

Jordan Williams was the man on target, but Enfield weren’t lying down and they hit back to put the result in balance.

But Gillam made sure in the dying embers to hand Bees the points and cement their 13th place position.

Southend Manor were beaten 3-1 by Ilford at Southchurch Park, although they played much of the match with 10 men.